A story of heartbreak turned to hope and pride as new defibrillator unveiled in Bettystown

A BETTYSTOWN volunteer group said a defibrillator donated by a woman spurred on to become a first responder after her fire fighter husband's shock death was a way of “turning heartbreak into hope.”

Life changed forever in 2020 for Paula McLoughlin when her “gentle giant” husband, fire fighter and paramedic with Dublin Fire Brigade David died suddenly at the young age of 37 leaving her world shattered.

However brave Paula has since trained as a community first responder inspired by David's dedication to the fire service and his skills as a paramedic and hopes she can one day save a life as a new member of Meath Coast Community First Responders.

Not only that, the Bettystown resident originally from Dublin donated a Public Access Defibrillator to the area as a tribute to her late husband and wants to highlight the importance of training in CPR.

The community came out in force for the official launch of the defibrillator last month in Elmeley Housing Estate with Meath Coast CFR offering training.

Also joining the voluntary group were members of Dublin Fire Brigade who served alongside David, An Garda Síochána Community Policing Team for Meath South, The National Ambulance Service (NAS) and Local Cllr Carol Lennon.

Paula said it was “a proud day” to have this vital life saving piece of equipment in operation as David's legacy.

“I know David would have been so proud to see his family and friends teach and learn these life saving skills. He would have loved the banter on the day too!

“It was a great day all round, we had a fantastic turnout from the community. We carried out CPR and defib demonstrations, it was great to see adults and children learning these vital skills.

“The rain teased us at the start but the sun was shining once we launched the defib, I asked David to make sure the sun was shining and he definitely listened!

“We even had the wonderful Christopher travel all the way from Galway to attend the event and serenade us with his song called tragic moments, about his experience with cardiac arrest many years ago.”

A spokesperson for Meath Coast CFR said it was a day that “defined what community really means.” They added;

“We were so proud to officially launch a public defibrillator at the Elmeley Housing Estate, Bettystown, a lifesaving addition made possible through love, loss, and the incredible generosity of one of our own.

“David was a dedicated frontline Firefighter and Paramedic with Dublin Fire Brigade, serving in Balbriggan & Finglas. He is deeply missed and will never be forgotten.

“Today was about honouring David, and turning heartbreak into hope. And the turnout from the community was just incredible. From little kids learning CPR, to neighbours and emergency services standing side by side — the spirit of support was real and powerful.”

Speaking previously on the devastating loss of her husband, Paula said:

“David was 37, it was very sudden, he died of a brain aneurysm so the reason why I'm doing this is for the girl five years ago who couldn't perform CPR on her husband,” said Paula.

“That's why I'm doing this course and trying to advocate for people to have these kind of skills, it' s so important, it could save a life,” she added.

“I had no training even though my husband was a fire fighter and paramedic, I didn't have those skills. I was oblivious to stuff like that happening to someone so young. I think it's very important for people to have CPR skills.

“I wish I had them back then because I panicked in the moment. It was obviously a very distressing thing because it happened so suddenly.”

Paula and David were married for just two years when he passed away and the fire fighter had many hopes for the future as his heartbroken wife explains:

“We were married for two years and together ten,” said the newly trained first responder.

“He was a big gentle giant, he absolutely loved his job and it one of his greatest passions, he was so dedicated,” she added.

“He was also looking at becoming an advanced paramedic but unfortunately the class never commenced with Covid and then he died.

“I know that he would have worked his way up the ranks in the fire brigade, he was very much well liked and respected and very dedicated to his job.”

Despite having to come to terms with her harrowing loss, Paula has made it her mission to find purpose in life in her husband's name.

“My motto is always that I'm doing it for David, it is kind of what got me through the early days especially,” explains Paula.

“David was meant to do a 100km cycle the day we buried him that was cancelled in the end because of Covid.

“So in 2021 I did the cycle in honour of David and we raised money for Beaumont Hospital which is where he was taken care of.

“It has taken me this long to get where I am because it was so sudden and it has been very hard. I'm very much looking for a purpose in my life.”

Becoming a community responder has given Paula's like new meaning as she explains:

“Being part of a community organisation and being the change you want to see is very important. I'm just ready for living life again and living life with purpose.”

The defibrillator is now live, registered with the National Ambulance Service, accessible 24/7, and will be checked and maintained by our amazing volunteers. If it’s ever used in an emergency, please contact us on 085 156 5222